Railing system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a railing system that is modular and can be interconnected in an easy manner. The railing system comprises a top elongated member having a downwardly opening channel and a bottom elongated member having an upwardly opening channel. A number of spaced apart vertical members span the distance between the top and bottom members, wherein one end of a vertical member is inserted into the channel in the top member and the opposite end is inserted into the channel provided in the bottom member. The orientation and position of the top and bottom members is provided by the interconnection of these elongated members to supports, or posts. Due to the spaced apart relation of the vertical members positioned in the channels, portions of the top and bottom channels are exposed. These exposed portions between the vertical members are enclosed by top and bottom spacers, which interconnect with the top and bottom members, respectively. A particular spacer is secured in a location within the cross section of the top member or the bottom member by one or more interconnection mechanisms. The interconnection mechanisms associated with the edges of the spacers, mate with interconnection mechanisms provided along the length of the top and bottom members that are located on the interior of a channel at the open face thereof. By providing interconnection mechanisms within the interior of a channel, the spacers may be more effectively secured to the top and bottom members thereby potentially limiting their accidental removal. In addition this method of interconnection within the cross section of a top or bottom member may enhance the structural integrity of the top and bottom members as well as possibly improve the aesthetics thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of railings, in particular to railings of the type having upper and lower members with a plurality of elements extending therebetween.

BACKGROUND

Component railing systems, typically made of aluminium, have become increasingly popular because of their pleasing appearance, relatively low cost and general ease of assembly and installation.

Aluminium railings have many advantages over more traditional railing systems of steel, wrought iron or wood and, consequently, are widely used in many buildings for balconies, elevated decks and the like. They are light in weight, relatively inexpensive and can be painted to match any colour scheme. Furthermore, they have a virtually unlimited life span.

Many such railing systems incorporate a plurality of spaced-apart pickets extending between top and bottom members. The top and bottom members may have channels for receiving the tops and bottoms of the pickets.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,240 discloses an aluminium railing assembly, which includes a railing member comprising a hollow extrusion having a picket-receiving channel along the bottom thereof. The channel has an open bottom. The sides of the member have bottom edges, which extend downwardly at least as far as the bottom of the channel. The railing assembly includes the top railing member, a bottom railing member below the top railing member, a plurality of spaced-apart support posts extending between the members and a plurality of pickets between the posts. The support posts have flat tops which are received against the bottom of the top railing member and are connected thereto.

A railing system which incorporates continuous spacers is disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,688. The railing system includes a top member having a downwardly opening first channel with a bottom and a bottom member having an upwardly opening second channel with a top. There is a plurality of spaced-apart vertical pickets, each picket having a top end in the first channel and a bottom end in the bottom channel, wherein there are spacers adjacent the top and bottom members. Each spacer is an elongated, continuous member with a plurality of spaced-apart openings and has a connector engaging one of the top and bottom members. The pickets extend through the openings in the spacers pressing against resilient members which are provided along each of the channels. During assembly the resilient members are first fitted within the channels and the spacer members are then secured to the top and bottom members. The pickets can then be inserted through the openings in the elongated members and the elongated members are subsequently brought towards each other and secured in place with the pickets compressing the resilient members.

In addition, an aluminium railing system which incorporates pickets or glass plates as the vertical barriers is fabricated by Regal Aluminium Products. This system comprises an upper and lower member with spaced pickets connected therebetween. The separation between the adjacent pickets is covered by aluminium spacers, which clip onto both the upper and lower members, thereby attempting to disguise this separation.

However, some prior art aluminium railing systems have offered disadvantages which have limited their market. For example, some systems do not provide a clean, pleasing appearance from all angles, for example from below as they are seen by reclining sun bathers. In addition, the prior art railing systems may accidentally be dismantled due to the form of interconnection of several components. Therefore there is a need for an improved railing system.

This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a railing system. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a railing system comprising: a top member having a downwardly opening first channel having a bottom, a length and an interior, said top member having a first interconnection mechanism associated with the bottom of the first channel, said first interconnection mechanism provided in the interior of the first channel and along the length of the first channel; a bottom member having an upwardly opening second channel having a top, a length and an interior, said bottom member having a second interconnection mechanism associated with the top of the second channel, said second interconnection mechanism provided in the interior of the second channel and along the length of the second channel; a plurality of spaced apart vertical members having a top end in the first channel and a bottom end in the second channel; a plurality of top member spacers having opposite edges, said top member spacers having a third interconnection mechanism associated with each edge thereof, the third interconnection mechanism capable of mating with the first interconnection mechanism, said top member spacers enclosing an opening in the first channel located between the spaced apart vertical members; and a plurality of bottom member spacers having opposite edges, said bottom member spacers having a fourth interconnection mechanism associated with each edge thereof, the fourth interconnection mechanism capable of mating with the second interconnection mechanism, said bottom member spacers enclosing an opening in the second channel located between the spaced apart vertical members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the railing system in an erected form according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross section of the top elongated member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross section of the top elongated member as shown in FIG. 2A, wherein a top spacer has been installed.

FIG. 3A is a cross section of the bottom elongated member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a cross section of the bottom elongated member as shown in FIG. 3A, wherein a bottom spacer has been installed.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of a top or bottom spacer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of securing mounts and the top and bottom elongated members according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of securing mounts and the top and bottom elongated members according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a device according to one embodiment, that can be inserted into the downwardly and upwardly opening channels in order to retain a sheet material in a desired location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a railing system that is modular and can be interconnected in an easy manner. The railing system comprises a top elongated member having a downwardly opening channel and a bottom elongated member having an upwardly opening channel. A number of spaced apart vertical members span the distance between the top and bottom members, wherein one end of a vertical member is inserted into the channel in the top member and the opposite end is inserted into the channel provided in the bottom member. The orientation and position of the top and bottom members is provided by the interconnection of these elongated members to supports, or posts. Due to the spaced apart relation of the vertical members positioned in the channels, portions of the top and bottom channels are exposed. These exposed portions between the vertical members are enclosed by top and bottom spacers, which interconnect with the top and bottom members, respectively. A particular spacer is secured in a location within the cross section of the top member or the bottom member by one or more interconnection mechanisms. The interconnection mechanisms associated with the edges of the spacers, mate with interconnection mechanisms provided along the length of the top and bottom members that are located on the interior of a channel at the open face thereof.

By providing interconnection mechanisms within the interior of a channel, the spacers may be more effectively secured to the top and bottom members thereby potentially limiting their accidental removal. In addition this method of interconnection within the cross section of a top or bottom member may enhance the structural integrity of the top and bottom members as well as possibly improve the aesthetics thereof.

With reference to FIG. 1, the railing system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The railing system comprises a top elongated member 20, a bottom elongated member 30 and a plurality of vertical members 40. The top elongated member 20 and the bottom elongated member 30 are secured in a desired location by fastening these members to a support 50, wherein the support can be a post, pole, wall or any other support which can provide the desired restraint as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. Optionally, the railing system comprises one or more intermediate supports 60 which may reduce the potential bending of the bottom elongated member 30.

Top Elongated Member

In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 2, the top elongated member 20 has an upper portion 70 which forms the top of the railing system and therefore may typically come into contact with a users hands, for example. The upper portion 70 is illustrated as a rounded surface at the top with vertical sides, however it may equally well be square, trapezoid, ellipse or any other shape desired as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The top member additionally includes a downwardly opening channel 80 having a bottom 85, which upon the fabrication of the top elongated member is integrally connected to the upper portion 70. This downwardly opening channel 80 receives one end of the vertical members (not shown) during the erection of the railing system.

Interconnection mechanisms 90 and 100 are associated with the interior of the downwardly opening channel and are located along the length of the channel and positioned towards the open face thereof, as illustrated. In this embodiment, the interconnection mechanisms 90 and 100 are in the form of protrusions extending inwardly towards the centre of the channel. This form of interconnection mechanism may be termed a tongue of a tongue and groove type configuration as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. In an alternate embodiment the interconnection mechanism associated with the downwardly opening channel may be a single groove, double groove or any other type of interconnection mechanism as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. In addition the interconnection mechanism associated with one side of the downwardly opening channel may not be the same as that associated with the opposite side of this channel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner sides of the downwardly opening channel are serrated thereby enabling the channel to grip the ends of the vertical members inserted therein. In an alternate embodiment a sleeve also having an open side, may be inserted into the downwardly opening channel, such that the openings are oriented in the same direction. For example the sleeve can be in a “U” shape which would be compatible with the downwardly opening channel as illustrated in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, the sleeve receives the ends of the vertical members and comprises serrated edges along its interior enabling the gripping of these vertical members. The sleeve can be retained within the channel by the interconnection mechanisms 90 and 100, for example, since they protrude towards the inside wall of the channel. Alternately, the sleeve may be pressure fit into the channel thereby securing it in the desired location. This sleeve may be fabricated from any type of material, for example a polymer, resin, plastic or any other material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the top elongated member may only have a downwardly opening channel without any interconnection mechanisms. A sleeve may be inserted into the downwardly opening channel wherein the sleeve has an interconnection mechanism as described and illustrated in FIG. 2A. As such, the sleeve would have an interconnection mechanism may be termed a tongue of a tongue and grove type configuration as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. The use of sleeve with a interconnection mechanism may reduce the manufacturing cost of the present railing system.

With reference to FIG. 2B, a top spacer 110 has been interconnected with the top elongated member thereby closing the downwardly opening channel 80. As illustrated the top spacer is installed within the cross section of the top elongated member thereby potentially providing improved structural integrity, improved resistance to removal and potentially a more aesthetically pleasing shape.

Bottom Elongated Member

In one embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to FIG. 3A, the bottom elongated member 30 comprises an upwardly opening channel 120 with a top 125. This upwardly opening channel 120 receives the end of the vertical members (not shown) opposite to that which was received by the top elongated member (not shown), during the erection of the railing system.

Interconnection mechanisms 130 and 140 are associated with the interior of the upwardly opening channel 120 and are located along the length of the channel and positioned towards the open face thereof, as illustrated. In this embodiment, the interconnection mechanisms 130 and 140 are in the form of protrusions extending inwardly towards the centre of the channel. This form of interconnection mechanism may be termed a tongue of a tongue and groove type configuration as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. In an alternate embodiment the interconnection mechanism associated with the upwardly opening channel may be a single groove, double groove or any other type of interconnection mechanism as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. In addition the interconnection mechanism associated with one side of the downwardly opening channel may not be the same as that associated with the opposite side of this channel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner sides of the upwardly opening channel are serrated thereby enabling the channel to grip the ends of the vertical members inserted therein. In an alternate embodiment a sleeve also having an open side, may be inserted into the upwardly opening channel, such that the openings are oriented in the same direction. For example the sleeve can be in a “U” shape which would be compatible with the upwardly opening channel as illustrated in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, the sleeve receives the ends of the vertical members and comprises serrated edges along its interior enabling the gripping of these vertical members. The sleeve can be retained within the channel by the interconnection mechanisms 130 and 140, for example, since they protrude towards the inside wall of this channel. Alternately, the sleeve may be pressure fit into the channel thereby securing it in the desired location. This sleeve may be fabricated from any type of material, for example a polymer, resin, plastic or any other material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom elongated member may only have a upwardly opening channel without any interconnection mechanisms. A sleeve may be inserted into the upwardly opening channel wherein the sleeve has an interconnection mechanism as described and illustrated in FIG. 3A. As such, the sleeve would have an interconnection mechanism may be termed a tongue of a tongue and grove type configuration as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. The use of sleeve with a interconnection mechanism may reduce the manufacturing cost of the present railing system.

With reference to FIG. 3B, a bottom spacer 150 has been interconnected with the bottom elongated member thereby closing the upwardly opening channel 120. As illustrated the bottom spacer is installed within the cross section of the bottom elongated member thereby potentially providing improved structural integrity, improved resistance to removal and a potentially more aesthetically pleasing shape.

Vertical Members

The vertical members of the present invention can take a plurality of forms. The vertical members may be solid or hollow members, however hollow members may be more desirable due to their lower weight compared to solid members. The cross sectional shape of the vertical members can be square, rectangular, parallelogram, circular, ellipsoid or any other shape. These vertical members may be straight, curved or twisted, depending on the desired affect for the completed railing system. However, if the vertical members are curved, they should be curved in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the railing system, for example perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the top and bottom elongated members.

In one embodiment of the present invention the vertical members may be glass panes, for example tempered glass in order to reduce the possibility of breaking. Alternately, the vertical members may also be in the form of a sheet type material, for example, fibreglass, plastic or any other type of material. The thickness of this sheet type material will be dependent on the thickness of the upward and downward opening channels associated with the bottom and top elongated members, respectively.

Top and Bottom Spacers

The top and bottom spacers enable the enclosing of an exposed portion of the downwardly and upwardly opening channel, respectively, after the insertion of the vertical members therein. The top and bottom spacers have interconnection mechanisms associated with two opposite edges, wherein these interconnection mechanisms mate with the interconnection mechanisms associated with either the top elongated member or the bottom elongated member, as appropriate. Upon the installation of the spacers into their desired location, they are situated within the cross section of the appropriate elongated member as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3A. This design may improve the structural integrity of the top and bottom elongated members and may potentially increase their resistance to removal whether accidental or intentional.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top and bottom spacers, 110 and 150, respectively, are of the same design as illustrated in FIG. 4. The spacers include interconnection mechanisms which are fabricated into the opposite sides thereof, wherein these mechanisms mate with those in the top or bottom elongated members. In this embodiment, the interconnection mechanisms 160 and 170 are in the form of protrusions extending outwardly away from the centre of the spacer. This form of interconnection mechanism may be termed a groove of a tongue and groove type configuration as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. This groove within the spacers receives the tongue which is associated with the upwardly and downwardly opening channels of the elongated members as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3A. In an alternate embodiment, the interconnection mechanism associated with the opposite edges of the spacers may be a tongue, double groove or any other type of interconnection mechanism as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. In addition, the interconnection mechanism associated with one edge of a spacer may not be the same as that associated with the opposite edge of this spacer. Furthermore, the top spacer may incorporate different interconnection mechanisms to that of the bottom spacer.

The bottom and top spacers can be manufactured having an end that is compatible with the shape of the vertical members. For example, the ends of the spacers can be designed such that, once installed, they abut the edge of the vertical member. Thus, if the vertical member has a convex curved side, the spacer which abuts this member will have a compatible concave curved end for suitable mating.

The components of the present invention can be fabricated from a number of different materials such that the selected material is appropriate for the desired application of the railing system. For example, a material can be selected based on its strength, durability and cost associated with manufacture. For example, the railing system can comprise a plurality of extruded aluminium members which may additionally be covered by a protective finish or colouring finish, as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The components could optionally be fabricated from a polymer, plastic, fibreglass or metal.

In one embodiment of the present invention, securing mounts are provided in order to interconnect the top and bottom elongated members with a support for example, a post, pole or a wall. The securing mounts can be configured such that their cross section is identical to that of either the top or bottom elongated member, except that it is slightly larger thereby enabling the appropriate member to slide therein. This securing mount can be connected to the support prior to the insertion of the appropriate elongated member. A worker skilled in the art would understand how to design an appropriate securing mount such that the desired affect is realised. FIG. 5 illustrates one example of this form of securing mount. The securing mount 170 is designed to mate and secure the top elongated member 20 and the securing mount 180 is designed to mate and secure the bottom elongated member 30. Both securing mounts 170 and 180 are fixed to another structure through the use of screws, for example, positioned in the holes 190 of the securing mounts.

In an alternate embodiment, the securing mounts can additionally comprise a hinging mechanism such that an elongated member can be connected to a support wherein the elongated member does not intersect with the support at a perpendicular angle. FIG. 6 illustrates one example of this form of securing mount. The securing mount 200 has a hinge mechanism enabling some movement of the top elongated member 20 and the securing mount 210 also has a hinge mechanism enabling some movement of the bottom elongated member 30. Both securing mounts 200 and 210 are fixed to another structure through the use of screws, for example, positioned in the holes 220 of the securing mounts.

In one embodiment, the vertical members are sheets of material, for example a pane of glass or a polymer sheet. In order to secure this form of sheet material within the railing system, a securing system 230, as illustrated in FIG. 7A can be used. This securing system 230 is placed within the channel in both the top and bottom elongated members. The securing system 230 comprises an open channel 240 having serrated edges 250 within the interior thereof for securing the sheet material. The securing system further comprises interconnection mechanisms 270 and 280 that mate with the interconnection mechanisms of the top or bottom elongated members thereby retaining the securing system at the desired location. The interconnection mechanism of the securing system may be termed a groove of a tongue and groove type configuration as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. The top portion 280 of the securing system 230 provides a surface for the abutment of the sheet material upon its installation. The securing system 230 can be formed from a rigid material or a flexible material wherein a flexible material will allow for the potential of an improved interconnection with the sheet material and additionally may allow for the compression of the top portion 280 thereby enabling the formation of a tight fit between the top and bottom elongated members and the sheet material. With reference to FIG. 7B, the securing system 230 is installed in the channel 80 of an elongated top member 20.

The embodiments of the invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A railing system comprising: a) a top member having a downwardly opening first channel having a bottom, a length and an interior, said top member having a first interconnection mechanism associated with the bottom of the first channel, said first interconnection mechanism provided in the interior of the first channel and along the length of the first channel; b) a bottom member having an upwardly opening second channel having a top, a length and an interior, said bottom member having a second interconnection mechanism associated with the top of the second channel, said second interconnection mechanism provided in the interior of the second channel and along the length of the second channel; c) a plurality of spaced apart vertical members having a top end in the first channel and a bottom end in the second channel; d) a plurality of top spacers having opposite edges, said top spacers having a third interconnection mechanism associated with each edge thereof, the third interconnection mechanism capable of mating with the first interconnection mechanism, said top spacers enclosing an opening in the first channel located between the spaced apart vertical members; and e) a plurality of bottom spacers having opposite edges, said bottom spacers having a fourth interconnection mechanism associated with each edge thereof, the fourth interconnection mechanism capable of mating with the second interconnection mechanism, said bottom spacers enclosing an opening in the second channel located between the spaced apart vertical members wherein the top member, the bottom member, the spaced apart vertical members, the top and bottom spacers are secured between two vertical posts.
 2. The railing system of claim 1 wherein the first and second interconnection mechanisms is a tongue of a tongue and grove type configuration.
 3. The railing system of claim 1, wherein the third and fourth interconnection mechanisms is a groove of a tongue and grove type configuration.
 4. The railing system of claim 1, wherein a first securing mount is positioned at one end of the top elongated member.
 5. The railing system of claim 1, wherein a second securing mount is positioned at one end of the bottom elongated member.
 6. A railing system comprising: a) a top member having a downwardly opening first channel having a bottom, a length and an interior; b) a bottom member having an upwardly opening second channel having a top, a length and an interior; c) a plurality of spaced apart vertical members having a top end in the first channel and a bottom end in the second channel; d) a plurality of top spacers having opposite edges, said top spacers having a third interconnection mechanism associated with each edge thereof, the third interconnection mechanism capable of mating with the first interconnection mechanism, said top spacers enclosing an opening in the first channel located between the spaced apart vertical members; and e) a plurality of bottom spacers having opposite edges, said bottom spacers having a fourth interconnection mechanism associated with each edge thereof, the fourth interconnection mechanism capable of mating with the second interconnection mechanism, said bottom spacers enclosing an opening in the second channel located between the spaced apart vertical members; f) a first sleeved member having an open channel having a bottom, a length and an interior, said first sleeved member having a third interconnection mechanism associated with the bottom of the first sleeved member, said third interconnection mechanism provided in the interior of the first sleeved member and along the length of the open channel, said first sleeved positioned within the downwardly opening channel; and g) a second sleeved member having an open channel having a bottom, a length and an interior, said second sleeved member having a fourth interconnection mechanism associated with the bottom of the second sleeved member, said fourth interconnection mechanism provided in the interior of the second sleeved member and along the length of the open channel, said second sleeved member positioned within the upwardly opening channel wherein the top member, the bottom member, the spaced apart vertical members, the top and bottom spacers are secured between two vertical posts.
 7. The railing system of claim 6 wherein the first and second interconnection mechanisms is a grove of a tongue and grove type configuration.
 8. The railing system of claim 6, wherein the third and fourth interconnection mechanisms is a tongue of a tongue and grove type configuration.
 9. The railing system of claim 6, wherein a first securing mount is positioned at one end of the top elongated member.
 10. The railing system of claim 6, wherein a second securing mount is positioned at one end of the bottom elongated member. 